Hi to everyone! I'm mama-ayn and first things first: I'd like to thank Mr. @suteru for introducing me to this platform. He really encouraged me to join and express my thoughts here.
Mama-ayn, an only child of a Pangasinense and Ibaloi. A mother of two, a wife, and an employee and this is my story:
I sometimes label myself as an "imported child." Why? because my mom (36) and my dad (28) had me while they were working abroad. My mom came back to our country when I was still in her womb (probably 6 months). She went home alone and was ready to raise me all on her own. She never expected my dad to follow her and tie the knot! After their civil wedding, he left again to earn money.
I was born in September 1993, and fast forward to 1995, my dad came back and stayed with us for 6 months to try and add another problem…oops, I mean another baby, but they failed. According to mom,that was the longest time I have ever spent with him, and what's sad about it is that I don't remember any of it. After that long vacation, he again left to earn for us.
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Elementary days (2000–2006)
I spent my elementary days in a mountainous area where I learned our local dialect. Elementary days for me is the best school days of my life. I was in a generation where we still enjoy swimming in the river, walking home without an umbrella during rainy season, slide down that muddy path and burst with laughter while sharing funny stories.
I ended up as the 2006 Valedictorian. I can still remember how happy mom was as she went up the stage to pin me my ribbon and put my medal. It felt good- making your mom proud.
High School Days:
Mom had a small business away from our house that is why upon my graduation, she looked for a place to rent. I was forced to part ways with my friends and enroll in a different world. Imagine a mountain girl staying in a civilized part of the world? That gave me a culture shock! I was even laughed at because of the way I speak and dress up! Good thing I found friends that accepted me for who I am.
The school promoted competition in grades. It was like having an ordinary class and an elite class. Those who have higher IQ went to the elite and I was only placed in the ordinary one. But that was OKAY. My parents aren’t that strict when it comes to my grades. What’s important is that I pass every subject. I promised myself that I would do the same thing with my kids.
College days – Last step before independence...?
I enrolled as a Hotel and Restaurant Management student. The reason for choosing this is that I am not good at math. I specifically chose this course because I THOUGHT I could get away with math, but math is everywhere! Thanks God I survived those subjects’ involving math.
During those days, my mom and I stayed in a small room where when it rains, you can literally have water flowing on the walls, drips from the ceiling and flooded floor. We stayed there for 3 years and transferred to a much better room on my 4th year. I finished my college degree on the year 2014 with mom still by my side and supporting me with all her might. My dad also has fulfilled his duty in providing for us. He may not be with us physically, but his hard work reaches us every month without failure.
Upon graduating, I applied in a Hotel as a housekeeping/linen attendant. It was a dirty work, but I loved every bit of it. My salary was P7,000.00 a month with a 6-day a week schedule. Yes, I still have my dad’s financial support and my mom’s care that is why I never felt how little that was during those days. I never paid rent, never bought groceries and such. Mom encouraged me to save up for the future but being a stupid daughter, I spent most of my salary enjoying and not saving. While working so hard, earning little, and no savings at all, I decided to resign. It was by this time that I realized HOW I’M MESSING UP MY LIFE. I WAS SPOILED! I must do something or else I might forever be dependent with my parents.
A New Adventure---cut short.
Congratulations! – a message from the employer where I submitted my application for Taiwan. I was so happy that I have been chosen among many applicants. Within just 1 month from the date I applied, I was already on a plane, looking outside the window, embracing the fact that I am now starting a new life, anew adventure. “This is it” I said to myself as we landed in Taipei.
The company I was assigned to makes chips used on gadgets. It was very hard at first particularly the language but as soon as I learned the process, they placed me in a 7pm-7am schedule. It was exhausting at first but as the days went by, it got easier. I have also applied for part time jobs which helped me pay for my other expenses. It was hard but I still feel so blessed and was never attacked by homesickness.
I had a three-year contract with the company but was cut short. I met my now husband abroad and as the old saying says "like mother, like daughter" I also had an “imported” little darling. I have a choice to stay and work until my tummy turns 6 months, but I decided to go back in our country since my partner then just finished his three year contract. By the time I was working abroad, my dad was also with my mom. When I finally decided to go home, He was also called to go back to his work. After thirteen (13) years, we only spent six days together before his flight. With those 6 days, we already planned for our Wedding. We tied the knot April 21,2018.I was three months pregnant that time.
So what happened next?
After giving birth, mom encouraged me to take the Civil Service Exam. I took it and on my first try, I passed. I applied for an administrative job in one of the Hospitals in our area and was blessed again to be hired. I worked there for 2 years, resigned for a greener pasture and now, I am currently working as an Administrative Officer in a school. This was a funny twist of life because when I was in the hospital, we often hear doctors advising patients to have family planning but here where I am currently working, we do encourage people to go and multiply. Haha!
While typing these words, I was reminded of all the good things that happened in my Life. I again realized how I was beyond blessed to have God protecting and guiding me through out those chapters. It may not be as quirky or adventurous like other people do but I love every second of it. And I am forever thankful to my parents, my Husband and most especially to God for providing me all the things I needed and will be needing. I may be half senior but I still have a lot to learn!
This ends my Introduction. I hope you enjoyed reading my life. I will share the in-betweens to you as I explore and learn in this platform and I do hope you’ll read it too!
Thank you for sparing your time! God bless us all!
